I write this as I listen to “I Walk on Water” by Kaleo. (I can’t get enough of this song or this band.) The song came on my YouTube playlist, and these words started flowing.
Often in my role at Catholic Order of Foresters, I emphasize how important it is for our members to reach out to and assist their local community members in any way they can.
This fall at COF, I took my own advice.
Hurricanes Harvey and Irma hit so closely in terms of time that meteorologists frequently said the former when they meant the latter. At COF, we jumped into action on Thursday, August 31, 2017, and it couldn’t have been too soon.
A wise coworker of mine, Elizabeth*, helped me develop the idea, and together we listed items to collect and researched where we’d donate the items. Her team, Eric and Steven, helped us prepare the bags we’d use for collecting. The Fraternal Outreach Coordinators and Assistant Editor, who are the better half of my team, passed out the bags. The office was abuzz with excitement. The urge to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey was brought to light, if not brightened, by the invitation to participate in this effort. One team member’s husband expressed that he and his coworkers (who happen to be local first responders) were looking for a way to donate. One team member’s son (who happens to be a new agent), rallied his friends to collect a pickup truck full (I’m not exaggerating) of water, bleach, garbage bags, diapers, paper towels, toilet paper, flashlights, batteries and clothing.
As people swung by my office to add to the mountain of items, some said, “We might have to do this again for Florida next week.”
There was no “might” for me. The donations kept coming! As a result, we shipped items to Marco Island Police Department in Florida, the small island where Hurricane Irma made its second landfall. (It just so happens to be where my family and I vacationed for many Christmases.)
To those who donated, participated, or helped us pack, carry or ship the items, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. Barely being able to walk into my office because of the plethora of items was overwhelming – in such an inspiring way I found myself smiling as I looked over at the bright colored bags.
I didn’t count the items that came in because the numbers didn’t matter to me. And, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting the turnout we had!
We donated the following items to The Texas Diaper Bank, St. Vincent De Paul, Houston Independent School District (at College of DuPage’s Hurricane Harvey Drive), and the Marco Island Police Department.
Tissues
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Boxes of diapers (children and adults)
Baby wipes
Baby formula
Shampoo
Conditioner
Shower gel
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Feminine hygiene products
Socks
Boxes of granola bars
Peanut butter
Coloring books and crayons
Cases of water
Cases of bleach
Boxes of garbage bags
Flashlights
Batteries
I tell you this story not to brag; in fact, I tell you for an entirely different reason. I hope this story inspires you. You CAN make a difference. You can help those in need. Let’s walk the walk together.
Houston and Marco Island, you’re in my prayers.
Rice University in Houston in April 2017 (Photo credit: Travis Pischel)
My sister and I on Marco Island in December 2012. (Photo credit: Kurt Gerken)
*Names have been changed.
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